Category: Voluntary Program

Puget Sound Regional Council,
Seattle

• CEO*: Mary McCumber, Executive Director
• PM: Mark Gulbranson, Director of Administrative Services
• ETC: Evelyn Pedersen, Administrative Assistant

Regional Council knows the value of commute trip reduction

The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is a repeat Diamond Award winner for its effective voluntary commuting program. As the metropolitan planning organization for King, Pierce, Kitsap and Snohomish counties, the PSRC provides planning data and a forum for jurisdictions to work together to address issues of regional significance–such as growth and the resulting traffic congestion. With fewer than 100 employees, the PSRC is not affected by the state Commute Trip Reduction Law. However, PSRC employees don't just talk about transportation demand management (TDM) policies, they live them. Fewer than 6% regularly drive alone to work!

Showing off the PSRC's Diamond Award are Mark Gulbranson, Director of Administrative Services; Mary McCumber, Executive Director; and Evelyn Pedersen, Administrative Assistant.

Executive Director Mary McCumber initiated an incentive program seven years ago to encourage employees to choose an alternative commuting mode. McCumber herself rides the bus to work, and all three department directors commute via bus, bike, or ferry. “As the designated transportation planning agency in the central Puget Sound region, we must lead by example when it comes to regional mobility,” McCumber says. “The success of policies often comes down to their effect on individual choices.”

Employees have say on transportation program

Employees of the planning agency not only developed their transportation program, they also helped determine which employee benefits should be reduced to provide funding for the program. The PSRC's downtown location makes many commuting options accessible to staff, and Transportation Demand Management Planner Lindy Johnson believes urban planning tends to attract people who care about making a difference. She also credits the $45 monthly all-modes subsidy for helping the organization achieve such a low number of single-occupant vehicle commuters.

*Some definitions: An “ETC” is the staff-level employee transportation coordinator responsible for the daily administration of the transportation program; “PM” is the transportation program manager; and “CEO” refers to the top management-level person at the worksite. “SOV” stands for single-occupant vehicle, and “CTR” for commute trip reduction.